McCormick Honors 2017 Unsung Heroes

The scholarship winners were chosen from a total of 111 honorees who were recognized as Unsung Heroes this year.  These student-athletes came from 69 Baltimore-area public, private, parochial and independent schools.  For the first time in the history of Unsung Heroes, nominations were open to all high school sports.

Sean Herrin took special pride in being a Peer Assistant on his Allied Soccer team for players with disabilities.  He spent his time with the kids getting to know them as peers, while helping them achieve athletic success on the field.  Herrin dedicates much of his time and energy to serving students with disabilities in other aspects of his life; he mentors disabled children in bowling, softball and ice hockey, volunteers at Kennedy Krieger's ROAR for Autism fundraiser, and has spent three summers interning at a company that produces prosthetic limbs.  Richard Reed, Herrin's Athletic Director, said that he is "quite an amazing young man, one who truly embodies the term 'Unsung Hero' on the athletic field and in the game of life."  Herrin, a senior, will attend the University of Maryland Baltimore County next fall.

Elizabeth Schlerf, a three-sport athlete, assumed the role of an Unsung Hero on all her teams.  Although never receiving many individual accolades or breaking statistical records for her performance, Schlerf always played a critical role in her teams' overall success due to her tireless work ethic, and earned the respect of her teammates as she helped them improve their game.  Carol Hatton, Schlerf's Athletic Director describes her as "selfless, hardworking and committed to being the best teammate she can possibly be," and she herself said "doing what is right, and what is needed, is more rewarding than all the praise and recognition in the world."  Schlerf, a senior and honor roll student who is also active in her community, will attend Dickinson College in the fall.

Four inaugural scholarships were also awarded to deserving student-athletes at this year's Unsung Heroes banquet.  Justist Rice of Patterson High School and Kyran Brandon of Parkville High School each received $7,500 scholarships.  Janay Fenner of Baltimore City College and Marquise O'Neal II of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute each received $5,000 scholarships.

The keynote remarks were delivered by Ray Lewis, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a 13-time Pro Bowl selection.

More than 700 Baltimore area officials, school administrators, coaches, Unsung Hero honorees and family members attended the event on May 1, 2017.

McCormick's Unsung Heroes program was founded by the late Charles Perry McCormick Sr. in 1940. The mission of the program is to recognize athletes for unselfish team play and highlight the efforts of those who contribute to the success of their teams without acclaim.  In 1969, the scholarship component of the award was added to the program in his honor.  The Charles Perry McCormick Scholarship is awarded to one female and one male student-athlete each year and is worth $40,000 over four years.

About McCormick

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With $4.4 billion in annual sales, the company manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry – retail outlets, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses.  Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. McCormick Brings Passion to Flavor™.

For more information, visit www.mccormickcorporation.com.

For information contact:

Corporate Communications: 
Lori Robinson (410) 527-6004 or [email protected]

SOURCE McCormick & Company, Incorporated

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